Sunny is our rescue's first rescue dog. Sunny is such a great dog and fits in so well with my dogs. He is now around 10 months old and I posted pictures in the rescue section, I think. Anyway, a few weeks ago he developed a big lump on his upper right leg. I took him to see Dr. B. She aspirated it a couple of times and sent a sample to the lab. The lab results came back with nothing unusual, but the lab suggested another sample be taken and sent. They also offered to look at the second sample for free. So, Dr. B. aspirated from a different angle and with a larger needle. The lab results came back today. There were spindle cells which means it's either Fibrosarcoma, Hemangiopericytoma, Myopericytoma, or a Nerve Sheath Tumor. Most of these are cancerous, as I understand it.

So, Sunny needs to have the thing removed and sent to the lab for diagnosis. The place where it is located will not be an easy one for Dr. B is close up surgically and may be a tough one to heal.

I cannot BELIEVE I'm looking at treating another cancer dog in less than two years. WTF?? Poor Sunny. He may be my foster dog, but I love him just the same. Please send him lots and lots of good thoughts that everything will be alright.

My gut reaction was to cut the thing out and go with conventional treatment. But, after sleeping on it and thinking about it I've decided to go with holistic treatment instead. I've contacted Carolann (holistic guru I met through Dee) and I'm inclined to agree that surgery is not the best option at this point. The damn thing is not bothering Sunny at all, no pain, no limp, nothing. So I feel we have time to explore homeopathy. It may be a risk, but any treatment has it's risks. I want to include Dr. B in this holistic treatment and have an appointment on Friday to talk to her.

Since with surgery this is a difficult area to close and heal, and there is a significant chance for recurrence with the tumor being more aggressive next time, I figure non traditional treatment is worth a shot. Sunny says he is up for whatever I want to do and he is totally loving his new raw diet!

Sunny sends Big pit bull kisses to everyone who is wishing him well!!

Oh and since this problem has come up, Sunny is no longer up to adoption. He is an official member of La Familia now.

I met with Dr. B on Friday and she is not opposed to holistic treatment. Sunny is now on a raw diet, filtered water, the immune booster/cancer blend from Carolann (holistic guru), Essiac Tea, and vitamin D. I'm also going to start him on Flaxseed oil for the Omega 3s. He is also getting as much sunshine, exercise, and fresh air as I can give him. He will have regular check ups with Dr. B to check his weight and measure the tumor.

I asked if the tumor is cancer because I didn't follow the phone conversation very well the day she called. She said "Yes, it is likely cancer." She also said she could not believe I've had two young dogs with tumors. No poop, I can't believe it either. What are the odds that in less than two years I would be fighting cancer again with another dog??

We had a Sheltie that had a Hemangiopericytoma. We had it removed once and it came back so we were forced to amputate. But after his amputation (he was a young adult dog then) he lived to be a very old man with no complications.I can only keep my fingers crossed that you have good results too whatever route you choose. We'll keep you and Sunny in our thoughts

Update: Sunny is getting along fabulously! The holistic treatment is working. Well, at least the cancer has not spread. Dr. B. recently checked him out, checked all his lymph glands, everything, and no cancer anywhere else. The raw diet has got him fit and strong!! I swear he would be an excellent candidate for agility or dock diving, he is so strong and athletic. You should see him dive off my deck!! Sunny shows absolutely no signs of pain, discomfort, sickness, or anything. He is a very, very happy boy.